john-13:4

The Pulpit Commentary - John 13:4-5

Commentators differ as to the motive which induced our Lord to perform this menial act, to adopt the gesture, girding, and duties of the δοῦλος , to divest himself of his ἱμάτια or upper garments, and to appear and veritably to act as a slave. Strauss regards it as a mythical representation of one of our Lord's discourses on humility. Lange, with much pertinence, believes it to correspond to the pain, which he manifested, at the very last Supper, with the unseemly contest for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 13:4-11

The washing of the disciples' feet. This affecting incident occurred immediately after the controversy among the 'disciples as to which of them should be accounted greatest in the kingdom of heaven ( Luke 22:1-71 .). I. JESUS TAKES THE FORM OF A SERVANT . He washed the feet of his disciples, though it had been more their place to wash the feet of their Master. 1. His humility led him to stoop to the most menial offices in the day of his humiliation . 2. He... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 13:4

He riseth from supper - Evidently while they were eating. See John 13:2.Laid aside his garments - His outer garment. See the notes at Matthew 5:40. This was his mantle or robe, which is said to have been without seam. It was customary to lay this aside when they worked or ran, or in the heat of summer.Took a towel and girded himself - This was the manner of a servant or slave. See the notes at Luke 17:8. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - John 13:3-6

John 13:3-6. Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, &c. That is, although he was conscious of his own greatness, as being invested with the government of all things, and as having existed in heaven before he appeared on earth, and as being sure of returning to heaven again to reign there; yet he humbled himself in the manner here related, descended to the mean office of a slave, and washed the feet of his own disciples; an... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - John 13:1-20

140. Washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-20)When they gathered for the meal that night, Jesus took the place of a servant and washed the disciples’ feet. By this action he symbolized firstly, the need for humility, and secondly, that he, the perfect servant, would cleanse people from sin through his death (John 13:1-5). Peter, not understanding this symbolic action, objected. Jesus responded that if he refused to let Jesus cleanse him, he could not be Jesus’ disciple. By this cleansing,... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - John 13:4

riseth . App-178 . from. Greek. ek. App-104 . supper = supper table (as we should say), i.e., after they had taken their places. garments , i.e. the outer garment. Greek. himation, translated "robe "in John 19:2 , John 19:6 . This was removed for working, and for sleeping was often used as a coverlet. When removed, leaving only the chiton or tunic, the man was said to be naked. towel . Greek. lention, a linen cloth (Latin. linteum). read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - John 13:4

John 13:4. He riseth from supper,— As it is here asserted that Christ rose from supper, we must allow that, in some sense, supper was begun. Probably, the antepast had been taken, which is mentioned by the Jews as preceding the paschal lamb. They tell us that it was then usual for the master of the family to wash his hands, and, if we are rightly informed, the Jews continue this custom still. By laying aside his garments, is meant his upper garments; which the Jewish priests used to pull off,... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - John 13:4

4, 5. He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments—outer garments which would have impeded the operation of washing. and took a towel and girded himself—assuming a servant's dress. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - John 13:1-11

The act of foot-washing 13:1-11"In the Synoptic account of the events of this evening we read of a dispute among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. John does not record this, but he tells of an action of Jesus that rebuked their lack of humility more strikingly than any words could have done." [Note: Morris, p. 544.] The emphasis in John 13:1-3 is on what the Lord knew, and in John 13:4-5 it is on what He did. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - John 13:1-20

1. Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet 13:1-20Jesus began His farewell address (cf. Moses, Deuteronomy 31-33; Joshua, Joshua 23-24; Paul, Acts 20) with an object lesson. read more